Balance Two types: o Static=the aspects of balance that do exist the start of the game and do not change over time o Dynamic=those aspects of balance that vary over the course of the game Consistent Challenges o Relates to difficulty of challenge; difficu

Goals
When someone plays a game what theyre looking to get out of it
o Entertainment
o Aesthetics
o Educational (factual)
o Simulation (training)
Industry
Military
Recruitment and training
o Social
o Occupational Therapy
Hand/eye coordination for dis

Storytelling
Basic approach:
o 3-act story
o Act I:
Introduce problem
Jump right into the action!
Capture attention
o Act II
Problem becomes significant here with lots of
Tension
Obstacles
End of Act II is a major point of tension in story
Usuall

Important aspects of Game Story Development
Interactivity
o Active game play is a key aspect of the story
o Much of this doesnt necessarily advance story, but keeps player actively involved
Non-linearity
o Multiple paths along which the story can unfold

Aspects of Plot design
Balancing Conflict- one side shouldnt be more powerful than the other
o Maximizing the dramatic tension, when the player seems on the brink of disaster,
with moments of levity/comedy
Shifting Focus-different things to be done to k

Rules of Play
o How you win or lose
o Examples: beating a boss, most points, reaching a threshold of points first,
winning a race, DESTROY EVERYTHING, protection for x amount of time,
escape in x amount of time, survive
Interactivity Modes
o Refers to ho

Aspects of Documenting Your Storyline
Why important to document storyline (and game design in general)
Facilitates clearly laying out the story (design), and how all pertinent aspects fit in
Helps identify potential conflicts/inconsistencies between par